From humble roots in Massachusetts with Virginia connections as a Hampton University graduate, Carter has helped bring Black history to life for almost 40 years and defined the style of the Afrofuturism movement.

Through her work in film, television, and theater, Carter has earned 70 credits and collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler.

Best known for turning the Black Panther superhero into an African King, Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Costume Design category and earned Marvel Studios their first Oscar recognition. For “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Carter made history, again, for her outstanding costume design work and is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for the first film and its sequel.

Carter’s art adds dimensionality, flair and culture to the characters she envisions, giving power to the incredible actors who wear her designs. Her vibrancy and attention to detail in costuming is integral to translating stories of race, politics and culture to the big screen. Her devotion to retraining the eye to see beauty through costume design and telling stories that enrich the humanity of the Black experience cements her legacy as a preeminent voice and expert on period genres and Afro aesthetics.

She was honored with the Costume Designers Guild's Career Achievement Award in 2019 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021. As an American treasure of history and culture, her costumes are featured in the “Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibition and in her 2023 book “The Art of Ruth E. Carter,” a behind-the-scenes journey in creating the most iconic costumes in filmmaking.

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Special Exhibit included with museum admission

"Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" is included with general admission to Jamestown Settlement: $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12 (beginning July 1, 2024: $20.00 for adults, $10.00 ages 6-12). An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with daytime programs and events.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to both museums with proof of residency. Parking is free.